He was stopped in his Chevrolet Camaro close to the team’s Benton training HQ in the city

The all-action midfielder, 26, was stopped in the customised Chevrolet Camaro by Northumbria Police and arrested after training at his club’s Benton HQ.

Ivory Coast international Tiote, who recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, was required to pull over before being questioned by officers on suspicion of motoring offences.

Shortly afterwards, the high-powered car was seized and towed away to a police pound as a bemused Tiote, of Jesmond, Newcastle, looked on.

Northumbria Police said in a statement today: “At around 1.30pm on Tuesday, a car was stopped on Benton Park Road, Newcastle, and a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud in relation to driving offences.”

Cheickered flag: Tiote's car has been seized by traffic cops

A spokeswoman confirmed inquiries were continuing.

Tiote, thought to earn around £60,000 a week, could face a fine, penalty points on his licence or even a driving ban if the allegations against him are proven.

The star is a favourite with the Toon Army thanks to his tough tackling but picked up 25 yellow cards from 50 league games in his first two seasons at the club.

He joined for £3.5million from Dutch side FC Twente in 2010 and is now valued at £20million.